Audio Guide to the Pantheon in Rome and Its Remarkable History, Architecture, and Art

Fourteen centuries after it was built, Michelangelo said that the Pantheon 'must have been designed by angels, not humans.

Indeed, the Pantheon is one of the most influential masterpieces of architecture ever, anywhere. Having witnessed and withstood 2,000 years of history, it is testimony to the brilliance and endurance of Western civilization.

With its traditional portico and pediment in front, and the massive dome soaring over a cylindrical sanctuary behind, the Pantheon is perhaps the most celebrated monument in the world. It is unique in its grandeur, the genius of its construction, and its state of preservation.

With Jane guiding you through the Pantheon, you will be immersed in the mystery, meaning and the eternal principles of this ancient monument. You will learn:

What part Anthony and Cleopatra played in the history of the Pantheon

Why for almost 1,900 years this `temple to all the gods was attributed to Agrippa (who died in 12 B.C.), when it was actually built by Emperor Hadrian, circa 127 A.D.

How such a massive, un-reinforced, poured-concrete dome was built a feat never accomplished before or since and why there is a huge hole in the roof

Why - while other buildings of the Roman Empire disintegrated into ruins - the Pantheon remained standing

How and why the wall of the rotunda is so much higher outside than it is inside, and why we see windows on the exterior but none on the interior

How the Pantheon expressed the religious and cultural beliefs of the Roman people, what it signified 2,000 years ago, and what it signifies now; and

Why Raphael an artist was the first person to be buried in the Pantheon, and what archeologists found when his tomb was opened 300 years later.

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Listener Opinions

by Fiona | 2/20/2014

" Wonderful re-tellings, indispensable Introduction and Notes (after reading each myth I flipped to the back and read its corresponding note, which never failed to improve my enjoyment of the story.) A great book. "

by Brenna | 2/18/2014

" Excellent retelling of the original stories, and a great introduction to the Norse myths and cosmology. Crossley-Holland translated them himself from the original sources and provided extensive notes for each tale. "

by Thom | 2/15/2014

" I have always enjoyed diffrent mytholgy, from greek, to roman and norse. This was a good read for me because I enjoy the subject matter. However it wasnt fantastic in anyway and was a more or less average read. "

by Mary | 2/14/2014

" I loved the stories! This book gave me a good knowledge of Norse mythology. "

" Very nice introduction to the major Norse gods & myths. Crossley-Holland combines serious scholarship with a strong prose style to make the myths accessible to a cross-section of readers, the curious and serious alike. I found the extensive "Notes" section just as enjoyable as the myths themselves. "

Kayleigh | 1/30/2014

" As interesting and informative as this collection was, it also left me with an overwhelming feeling of sadness that so many of the myths (mentioned, but not included in this text for obvious reasons) exist only in a very fragmented form or have been lost altogether. So many figures were only mentioned once, so many stories alluded to in other myths but never told. Of the stories that have survived, many exist in more than one form with no way of to determine which is the original. These circumstances can make retellings of the myths difficult, but Crossley-Holland does an excellent job recounting these stories in a clear and concise manner while simultaneously acknowledging that some of them exist in other incarnations. He even includes summaries of alternate versions (where applicable) in his notes at the back of the book. I enjoyed the notes, for the historical and cultural context they provided, just as much as the myths themselves. "

Nrutas32 | 1/28/2014

" A great re-telling of some of the best lore. "

Kari | 1/25/2014

" This is a great collection of the best of the Norse Myths. Fascinating, shocking, disturbing and funny; there is something for everyone! Kevin Crossley-Holland clearly spent a lot of time researching the various and sometimes conflicting sources that detail the myths. Each myth is accompanied by a detailed note in order to explain anything of note and discuss the sources Crossley-Holland used in his composition. A great read, perfect for any mythology fans! "

Paul | 1/19/2014

" Fabulous retelling of the Norse myths from the creation of the world from fire and ice to the end of the gods at Ragnarok. It gives a great sense of the Viking world with it culture and rituals and at the death of Balder really rather moving. "

Emily | 1/6/2014

" More like three and a half stars, but I decided to bump it to four on the official rating. Very good beginning book for those who know little (or nothing) about Norse mythology. A couple of the myths honestly make me laugh ^^ "

Sinistmer | 1/6/2014

" One of the best collection of Norse myths I've come across. Crossley-Holland does a fantastic job of introducing the culture and pantheon. He also writes the stories in accessible language and in a well-formed narrative way. A great introduction to these myths! "

bethan | 12/30/2013

" this is where i came from; crazy stuff. and great. "

Liz | 11/24/2013

" I love what dicks they are over there! "

Captain I | 11/22/2013

" The myths themselves are excellently told and translated with some of the tone and style of the orinigals. However, I can't say I always agree with Mr. Kevin Crossley-Holland's sweeping statements in the notes section. He tends to play the academic and I got quite annoyed with him for it! "

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